Ponting to retire from all cricket

Ricky Ponting, the former Australia captain and one of the greatest batsmen of the modern age, will retire from all cricket in October. The 38-year-old is currently in England playing county cricket for Surrey but he has said that the Champions League T20 campaign with Mumbai Indians, winners of this year's IPL, will be his last competitive outing.

"While I'm enjoying my cricket as much as ever, it just feels like the right time to finish playing," Ponting told the Daily Mail. "My body and mind are in great shape and I know I'm going to really enjoy these last few months before the next stage of life begins."

Ponting announced his Test retirement during Australia's home series against South Africa last year, making a farewell appearance in the defeat at Perth. In 168 Test matches he amassed 13378 runs, second only to Sachin Tendulkar, as well as 13704 runs in ODIs, winning three World Cups, two as captain.

In what has turned out to be his final season in Australia, Ponting helped Tasmania to victory in the Sheffield Shield - and finished as the competition's leading run-scorer - before heading to the IPL. He is scheduled to leave Surrey in July and take part in the inaugural Caribbean Premier League, with the Antigua Hawksbills.

"To win the Sheffield Shield with Tasmania in my last game in Australia played at Blundstone Arena, will forever be a memory close to my heart. It's one of a lifetime of memories that will become even more special to me in retirement," he said. "I'm so grateful for the opportunities that the game of cricket has given to me. I've played with so many outstanding people at all levels of cricket with lifelong friendships made."

Although Ponting struggled in his final Test series, accumulating just 32 runs in three matches against South Africa, uncertainty about Australia's batting line-up ahead of the Ashes had led to talk of a possible recall. Ponting appeared to encourage such speculation shortly after arriving in England to join up with Surrey - "I would never say never," he said in a newspaper interview - but he later clarified that he would not be coming out of retirement. He did however make a return to the dressing room to offer support as Australia went out of the Champions Trophy with defeat to Sri Lanka at The Oval on Monday.

He made 192 on his first-class debut for Surrey last month, proving his continued appetite for making big scores, but it will be in T20 cricket that he makes his final bow. He is one of the marquee signings for the CPL and will be expected to play his last innings in the blue of Mumbai, despite dropping himself from the team and handing over the captaincy to Rohit Sharma during their run to the IPL title.

He will then begin life as a retired professional cricketer, with promoting an autobiography the first job on his list. Ponting said he was looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Rianna, and their two daughters, as well as working with their cancer fundraising charity.

"I'm considering a couple of options in the cricket media and I'm very fortunate to have a wonderful group of commercial partners that I will be continuing to work with," he said. "My autobiography comes out in late October so I've also got a couple of busy months on my book tour when I get back. I got a taste for the off field demands of coaching, mentoring and leadership at Mumbai. I'd like to do more of this in the future.

"I'm excited about what lies ahead. We are moving to Melbourne, which will be like a new beginning as a family leading a more normal life. I'll be able to spend more time with family and friends, play a lot more golf and see more of North Melbourne footy games.

"Rianna and I will continue to build the work of the Ponting Foundation and, with more time on my hands, I'm intending on spending more time with children with cancer and their families."

@ blackie on (June 22, 2013, 19:24 GMT) The 4 modern day cricketer- agree but I want to add one more unsung legend ie Shivy Chanderpaul. IMO Shivy is better than Lara.

OneEyedAussie
on June 22, 2013, 23:21 GMT

In my mind there are two Pontings. One played from 1996-2007/8 and was an unstoppable run machine that was the heart of Australian cricket domination. He was one of the greatest captains of limited overs cricket. And then there is 2007/8 until his retirement - the time in which his batting declined from dominating to the occasional still brilliant innings. There was also his failures as a captain in the test arena - such as his mismanagement players like Johnson and his embarrassing temper tantrums.

Good luck to you Punter! I like to dwell on your great years and forget the bad ones.

blackie
on June 22, 2013, 19:24 GMT

+NE of the greats of the modern game for sure. Hated when he played against Windies. One of the great modern 4 of Tendulkar, Lara and Kallis .

dummy4fb
on June 22, 2013, 5:25 GMT

Love your aggression, love your field placements, love your never say die attitude, and love your pull shots! Will always hate you for tormenting the Indians esp the 03 world cup. Thanks for the entertainment!

dummy4fb
on June 22, 2013, 3:24 GMT

North Melbourne???? Come on Punter, go for Tigers!!!

dummy4fb
on June 21, 2013, 22:48 GMT

not one of the great batsmen,but rather I think THE GREAT.world of cricket salutes u for ur commanding batting skills, and ur great captaincy.

YAYAVAR
on June 21, 2013, 21:34 GMT

The world of cricket will miss the batting of Ponting. He truly meant business when leading Australia on field. It will be years before we would see the likes of Ponting. I wish him all the best in his new adventure.

dummy4fb
on June 21, 2013, 18:45 GMT

This will be a huge loss to the world cricket...such a talented player!!

dummy4fb
on June 21, 2013, 12:29 GMT

Great player, wish u all the best in ur future. Seeing the number of times he destroyed us, especially in Australia and ODI's, I hated him so much. But I loved watching him bat and an amazing fielder - the best and most versatile fielder I have seen (sorry I haven't seen Jonty). He is perhaps the only one I remember that was equally outstanding in the covers-point region as well as the slips, whose remarkably accurate throws were as good as his catching and ground fielding. His fielding and his pull shot are the two things I will remember him greatly for. Ricky I salute u.

MelbourneMiracle
on June 21, 2013, 11:45 GMT

I'm a Sri Lankan and Punter is probably the best cricketer I've ever seen. I disliked his arrogance against Sri Lankan teams over the years purely because I love SL Cricket. However admiring him as an ardent cricket fan was always there with me. In his peak, no bowler on the planet could dislodge his wicket and he was destructive yet elegant in stoke making. His pull shot is probably the best to ever played by a batsman. That pull shot was a treat to the eyes! To me, he's the greatest Cricketer ever to walk on this planet! We will surely miss you Mr.Ponting! All the v.best to you for your future with your family!

AKS286
on June 25, 2013, 17:16 GMT

@ blackie on (June 22, 2013, 19:24 GMT) The 4 modern day cricketer- agree but I want to add one more unsung legend ie Shivy Chanderpaul. IMO Shivy is better than Lara.

OneEyedAussie
on June 22, 2013, 23:21 GMT

In my mind there are two Pontings. One played from 1996-2007/8 and was an unstoppable run machine that was the heart of Australian cricket domination. He was one of the greatest captains of limited overs cricket. And then there is 2007/8 until his retirement - the time in which his batting declined from dominating to the occasional still brilliant innings. There was also his failures as a captain in the test arena - such as his mismanagement players like Johnson and his embarrassing temper tantrums.

Good luck to you Punter! I like to dwell on your great years and forget the bad ones.

blackie
on June 22, 2013, 19:24 GMT

+NE of the greats of the modern game for sure. Hated when he played against Windies. One of the great modern 4 of Tendulkar, Lara and Kallis .

dummy4fb
on June 22, 2013, 5:25 GMT

Love your aggression, love your field placements, love your never say die attitude, and love your pull shots! Will always hate you for tormenting the Indians esp the 03 world cup. Thanks for the entertainment!

dummy4fb
on June 22, 2013, 3:24 GMT

North Melbourne???? Come on Punter, go for Tigers!!!

dummy4fb
on June 21, 2013, 22:48 GMT

not one of the great batsmen,but rather I think THE GREAT.world of cricket salutes u for ur commanding batting skills, and ur great captaincy.

YAYAVAR
on June 21, 2013, 21:34 GMT

The world of cricket will miss the batting of Ponting. He truly meant business when leading Australia on field. It will be years before we would see the likes of Ponting. I wish him all the best in his new adventure.

dummy4fb
on June 21, 2013, 18:45 GMT

This will be a huge loss to the world cricket...such a talented player!!

dummy4fb
on June 21, 2013, 12:29 GMT

Great player, wish u all the best in ur future. Seeing the number of times he destroyed us, especially in Australia and ODI's, I hated him so much. But I loved watching him bat and an amazing fielder - the best and most versatile fielder I have seen (sorry I haven't seen Jonty). He is perhaps the only one I remember that was equally outstanding in the covers-point region as well as the slips, whose remarkably accurate throws were as good as his catching and ground fielding. His fielding and his pull shot are the two things I will remember him greatly for. Ricky I salute u.

MelbourneMiracle
on June 21, 2013, 11:45 GMT

I'm a Sri Lankan and Punter is probably the best cricketer I've ever seen. I disliked his arrogance against Sri Lankan teams over the years purely because I love SL Cricket. However admiring him as an ardent cricket fan was always there with me. In his peak, no bowler on the planet could dislodge his wicket and he was destructive yet elegant in stoke making. His pull shot is probably the best to ever played by a batsman. That pull shot was a treat to the eyes! To me, he's the greatest Cricketer ever to walk on this planet! We will surely miss you Mr.Ponting! All the v.best to you for your future with your family!

dummy4fb
on June 21, 2013, 11:18 GMT

Respect Ricky Ponting. You are a treat to the eyes, amazing to watch when you play. I especially love your aggressive approach in batting. You, being one of the best in the business, would still be an understatement. Thanks for providing all those lovely entertaining cricket and making my childhood super awesome. I still hope you don't retire, because that will certainly be one of the saddest day of cricket. But, getting back to reality, looking forward to see you play in MI jersey!

brusselslion
on June 21, 2013, 11:11 GMT

Punter, Just one last hurrah please. I know that it's asking a lot but, please keep Surrey up.

LittleDavyWonka_astallasoompaloompa
on June 21, 2013, 10:57 GMT

A great player. The curtain started to fall for him the day Warne & McGrath walked off the SCG for the last time. He should have probably retired after Flintoff ran him out, but i think he imagined himself as the highest run scorer in Test history. His gradual decline has mirrored that of the Aussies as a cricketing nation. As well as celebrating one of the greats aussie fans need to ask where's the next Ricky coming from? I can't see anyone in the queue.

Selector_Ads
on June 21, 2013, 10:42 GMT

Ricky, I genuinely believe you are the best we will see for at least a generation. Australian cricket dominance through the 00's was when you were the best in the game. Yes there were great players around you, but Australia had the unbeatable aura when you were THE dominating batsman. All opposition was afraid of you; every time you walked out, we always anticipated an onslaught. And I'll always remember your brilliant knock in the 438 game.

Yaswanth.Ram
on June 21, 2013, 10:25 GMT

Australian cricket id dead with this.

othello22
on June 21, 2013, 9:12 GMT

Good onya Punt, looking forward to reading your book when it comes out in October. Thanks for all the memories.

Ria_meow
on June 21, 2013, 9:12 GMT

Ponting might totally disappearfrom international cricket given he cant commentate... unless he takes a coaching / mentoring role in IPL etc. Would like to see him around..

deathstar01
on June 21, 2013, 9:07 GMT

The best cricketer of our time because of his batting + captaincy. Respect. Two thumbs up. No one ever will match you.

Naresh28
on June 21, 2013, 8:50 GMT

COME ON PONTING AND HUSSEY OZ need you one last time for the ASHES!!!!

dummy4fb
on June 21, 2013, 8:45 GMT

And while this is happening, only Chanderpaul of same age, and debuting around the same time, refuses to retire from any form of cricket. Well unless forced to. Wait a minute, there is some other aged dude in India who is as obdurate right?

dummy4fb
on June 21, 2013, 8:37 GMT

good bye punter . thanks for the memories

dummy4fb
on June 21, 2013, 8:08 GMT

In India, we will miss your early morning brilliance. How many times we have woken up seeing your brilliance during the Australian summer? The very thought of not seeing Punter bat once again in the mornings will make lot of poeple like me sleep well. Miss u Ponting and thx for everything

yorkslanka
on June 21, 2013, 8:04 GMT

I did not like the attitude of Ponting, HOWEVER, i must say he was a fantastic player and a huge adversary to those playing against him. A fantastic fielder and one of the best batsmen I have seen. Good luck to him in his future from a Sri Lankan...

dummy4fb
on June 21, 2013, 8:04 GMT

Beating Australia in the Ashes this summer just won't be as good without you.

Hammond
on June 21, 2013, 7:10 GMT

Good luck in obscurity Punter. From one Aussie that won't miss you one little bit.

dummy4fb
on June 21, 2013, 6:53 GMT

Mr pointing for me ur no 1 ur class and ur shots captaincy fielding no one can match u, tendulkar also may have records but he can't touch ur class and standard tht u set for urself, ur the best pointing...i will miss the best ever pull shot from Greatest Pointing....All the very best for future. we want to see u in ICC for development of cricket.

android_user
on June 21, 2013, 5:49 GMT

best of luck punter... you are one of the modern greats of cricket! live long and prosper!!

Samar_Singh
on June 21, 2013, 4:54 GMT

The very very best batsman, captain and the most dominating player of the modern era. No player have won more matches than Punter did. A genuine fighter. Good day.

Sarthik
on June 21, 2013, 4:07 GMT

Thank you for a life time of achievements, Punter. After all, cricket's second best after the Master.

sharidas
on June 21, 2013, 3:56 GMT

I am sure we will see a lot more of Ponting in the coaching side of Cricket very soon ! All the best to Ricky !

YogifromNY
on June 21, 2013, 3:17 GMT

The whole cricketing world will miss you, Ricky! Hope your innings of life after cricket is as fulfilling and productive for you and for aspiring cricketers as your innings while you played cricket. God bless! From a US-based Indian team supporter.

ishud
on June 21, 2013, 2:53 GMT

Cricket's gonna be over for me in October 2013! Love u Punter! & thank u for the entertainment u brought to the cricket fans world over. Will never forget ur beautiful shots!

kensohatter
on June 21, 2013, 2:47 GMT

Congrats on a brilliant career Punter... Shame you have decided to not put your hand up for one more ashes cause you would walk into the current side. My top 5 batsmen to play in the last 15yrs has you listed at no.3... They are 1. Tendualker, 2. Kallis, 3. Ponting, 4. S,Waugh, 5. Lara. For fun I didnt a top 5 bowlers (of which Ponting did not feature!) they are.... 1. Warne, 2.Akram, 3. McGrath, 4. Ambrose, 5. Murali

dummy4fb
on June 21, 2013, 2:14 GMT

There is nothing much to say about him but there wouldn't be any (best pull shot of the cricket) before or after punter. Hopefully, you would be around in the administration to see off cricket goes all over the world.

dummy4fb
on June 21, 2013, 0:09 GMT

Let me express thanks to Mr. Ricky Ponting for the many innings that I have had the privilege of watching him play! Quite honesty, there were times that I hoped he would not be available for Australia! He makes so many runs! But nothing should hinder us from wishing him well in his future endeavours!
May God richly Bless your family and you! Amen

Addu01
on June 20, 2013, 23:07 GMT

Great player, always loved watching him play. Personally I consider Ponting to be better than Sachin Tendulkar (not to say Sachin is not great player) because Ponting has led the team and performed at the same time which is not an easy task to do....

featurewriter
on June 20, 2013, 22:31 GMT

Easily one of my favourite cricketers of the modern era. I was fortunate enough to watch him bat a lot at the Gabba over the years. I'll miss the sweet sound of the leather being finessed off the willow and gliding its way down to the boundary fence. And what a noble post-career profession: raising awareness and funds for kids with cancer. Great cricketer - but I think he's about to become an even greater philanthropist.

Dan9999
on June 20, 2013, 22:22 GMT

Shame he didn't try and go for the 100 centuries... not TOO unrealistic. The most dominant batsman of his generation without a doubt, can't imagine wanting anyone else in history walking in at 1 down when he was in his pomp

alstar2281
on June 20, 2013, 22:21 GMT

More time on the Golf course then.
US Masters 2014 anyone?

dummy4fb
on June 20, 2013, 22:20 GMT

Ponting is one of the very very best ever. Best player of spin since Viv Richards. In his pomp, he was the most exhilarating player of his generation. I will never forget how he hooked and pulled even the quickest bowlers. Australia's AT # 2 after Don Bradman.

Jda123
on June 20, 2013, 22:16 GMT

I was expecting a recall to Australia, their batting cant get any worse and the Ashes isn't going to be that great.

RandyOZ
on June 20, 2013, 22:02 GMT

Simply the best since Bradman. No one comes close. A real team player and always performs when it counts.

dummy4fb
on June 20, 2013, 21:48 GMT

more than just the modern era, under all conditions and against all opposition and batting at 3 "anywhere" in the world, daylight second, both Lara and Tendulkar had places where they weren't so dominant,

R_U_4_REAL_NICK
on June 20, 2013, 21:44 GMT

What a shame! I was looking forward to seeing one of my favourite players ever play in the upcoming Ashes (despite what Inverarity says) due to an SOS call-up...

EdGreen
on June 20, 2013, 21:25 GMT

He'll be sadly missed and fondly remembered - hope to see him score a fair few for surrey first!

khansa06
on June 20, 2013, 21:21 GMT

Kallis, Mahela, Sanga......and then torch passes to the next generation of greats.

See any in the horizon ?Cook ?Kohli ???Dhawan. Not a lot in sight. Any one I missed?

dummy4fb
on June 20, 2013, 20:59 GMT

There is nothing i can say that has not already been said. So i guess i will just say that you, Ricky, will be sorely missed by the game of cricket and you will forever be up there with the greats of the game.

cloudmess
on June 20, 2013, 20:51 GMT

It's sad to another great from my generation retire. As an England supporter, I remember watching the nightly Ashes highlights 2006-7 and recall the regular agony of seeing Punter strike another hapless English bowler for a beautiful straight drive.
I agree with Vilander - it's such a shame we did not see Tendulkar and Ponting open together in their prime, but even in 2013 it was still a spine-tingling sight, as much for what is symbolised - the twilight of two Gods.

Omarrz
on June 20, 2013, 20:31 GMT

Ponting please come and groom the kids of Pakistan. I am not going to ask and coach the senior team or any club/domestic team because it is too late for them to learn anything now. 10-15 is the age where the base is created.

Pyketts
on June 20, 2013, 20:06 GMT

A true great of the modern era who had the complete batting game with nearly all the shots in his locker. He could also change his gameplan when needed and appeared at ease either on attack or defense.

He is part of what made the modern Ashes great, a true competitor (and from I understand a class act off the pitch) who wiill truely be missed. If Australia don't want him as part of their coaching set-up I think England should be asking the question.

The third best batsman I've seen in my life (behind Tendulkar and Lara) but to be honest the sight of him coming out to bat against us filled me with more dread than both of the other greats.

Vilander
on June 20, 2013, 19:35 GMT

true legend, loved the way he gelled with MI players...Pondulkar was a dream too bad they never played for the same team in their prime,DK has shades of Ponting in him when he bats now...such is Pontings impact. # respect

Aussasinator
on June 20, 2013, 19:09 GMT

Good batsman but falls a bit short of greatness because he never faced serious bowling during his run accumulating years. When quick bowlers surfaced again, his weaknesses against them showed up. His last 5 years were uneventful and only left people crying for his retirement. A decent player who made most of the best of times with the Aussie greats. Cannot imagine him playing Shoaib Akhthar, Dale steyn and Morne morkel. He could not even play an Ishant sharma. Quite over rated. Ask Anderson and Flintoff. So many bowlers to ask, actually. Anyway bye bye old fella. Your luck ran long.

Cpt.Meanster
on June 20, 2013, 19:01 GMT

Well played Punter. A legend of the modern era ! Respect.

dummy4fb
on June 20, 2013, 18:50 GMT

All the best Ponting! You are such a legend

espncricinfomobile
on June 20, 2013, 18:15 GMT

Legend, always feel great watching him. Probably the best cutter and puller I have seen.
Stood out a mile as the best Aussie batsmen since Bradman.

android_user
on June 20, 2013, 18:05 GMT

Great one

Barnesy4444
on June 20, 2013, 17:58 GMT

We are talking about the end for Ponting, but he is only 38. He is only just coming into his mid-life crisis now! A good batting coach for the Australian team would be useful.

AKS286
on June 20, 2013, 17:52 GMT

@ Kennyatta Chery on (June 20, 2013, 16:49 GMT) Fella Change your thoughts. A retired cricketer specially a legendary cricketer is having lust with cricket, So, after their international retirement they engage themselves in County cricket, club cricket or domestic cricket. Everyone need money to survive and in IPL they get both their passion towards cric and money, nothing to feel embarrassing. some joins commentary, umpiring, but summary is they belongs to cricket with different roles.

gsingh7
on June 20, 2013, 17:44 GMT

Yes he was arrogant and rude. yes he was having mean and win-at-all-cost attitude. but what he did not possess was lack of commitment and effort. One of the best cricketers ever, Ricky Ponting

Batmanian
on June 20, 2013, 17:42 GMT

What a champion. He confounded his critics in the international game, fought his was back to the top and left us begging for his return. Now he's had a little Indian summer for Tasmania, Mumbai and Surrey and is going out in style.

Welcome to Batmania, Ricky - Melbourne was founded by Launcestonians in 1835, and we can accommodate another, no problem.

dummy4fb
on June 20, 2013, 17:33 GMT

One of the great players of our time. I hope the English fans give him the send off he deserves. What made him great was the fact that when he came out to bat we all felt "oh no, not Ponting". A great fighter, brilliant stroke maker, especially square of the wicket, and a great captain, he will be missed. An Aussie of the old school. And I am an Englishmam.

Lovetesh
on June 20, 2013, 17:29 GMT

He lived a fantastic life.

nilanka.mahesh
on June 20, 2013, 17:27 GMT

i saw him debute and retired......... outstanding cricketer

Front-Foot-Lunge
on June 20, 2013, 17:12 GMT

Au revoir Ricky, thanks for the memories and the laughs. Best of luck in retirement. I hear retiring in your 30's is a really stressful time..

whoster
on June 20, 2013, 17:06 GMT

He's not the player he was, but still a very fine batsman who'd walk into most Test sides. I must try and catch a championship match with Surrey so I can watch a true legend before he hangs up his bat. Once or twice he was out of order discipline-wise, but other than that, a fantastic ambassador for cricket, and he'll go down as a true great.

Nutcutlet
on June 20, 2013, 17:04 GMT

Respect to Punter! He knows that he's going out while he can still put together a proper score (witness his debut for Surrey last month: 192 run out), unlike some others. He has been a formidable opponent, even if he's been the captain who's surrendered the Ashes more than any other (to the best of my knowledge). It would be great if he could sign off for Surrey with another ton or three. All the best for the future & hoping you enjoy your life beyond professional cricket -- & thank you for gracing our game. England supporters will always hold you in special affection ;-)

dummy4fb
on June 20, 2013, 17:01 GMT

what a great player - Thank You Ponting.

Alexianl
on June 20, 2013, 16:56 GMT

Really.....A GREAT ....GREAT......batsman of my......era. Wish U all the best for the rest of your life. Sachin and Ricky are Legends. God bless both....Love U.

espncricinfomobile
on June 20, 2013, 16:49 GMT

Pointing was great, but he allowed money to spoil his legendary work with this T/20. This year's IPL signing was so embarrassing.

android_user
on June 20, 2013, 16:42 GMT

one of the best player in the history of cricket, we are gonna miss u punter love uuu

RealStickofRhubarb
on June 20, 2013, 16:33 GMT

Having seen him for Surrey is still a very fine batsman way above most others.

espncricinfomobile
on June 20, 2013, 16:26 GMT

Grt player salute by heart miss u punter .....!!!!

dummy4fb
on June 20, 2013, 16:19 GMT

legend..i had the greatest pleasure of meeting him in sydney and taking his autograph. after sachin, he is the greatest btsmen of all times in modern era...

Hassan_U
on June 20, 2013, 16:08 GMT

Punter to were the best of your generation. Wish you all the best in the future.

A True legend and one of my favourite Aussie player. Good Bye Sir .

dummy4fb
on June 20, 2013, 16:08 GMT

will miss u badly champ ...

coldcoffee123
on June 20, 2013, 16:06 GMT

Basically, Ponting has played his last match. He will not be opening for MI, just the way in IPL.

Big_Maxy_Walker
on June 20, 2013, 15:56 GMT

should have retired in 2009 before his legacy was tarnished

Jimmers
on June 20, 2013, 15:55 GMT

Shame he's going out playing wretched T20s, but still can't take away from what he's done in REAL cricket - utter legend

AKS286
on June 20, 2013, 15:42 GMT

He is a legend its a Universal Truth. Yes earlier he said that I'll retire after Ashes'13 but due to the poor performance against SA and he is in soo much pressure by Clarke. After a tremendous in Shield cricket his doors were closed by Clarke. Katich, Hussey retirement speaks all, Johnson, Haddin (after Ashes he'll retire, VC is farewell gift), Watson (He is also in retirement pressure due some poor performance), Hauritz, Paine, Marsh are in the que of retirement. All are the victim of Clarke's senior axing policy.

android_user
on June 20, 2013, 15:35 GMT

the hero of all time

espncricinfomobile
on June 20, 2013, 15:30 GMT

Dear punter

Have a great retired life
You are a legend

Batmanindallas
on June 20, 2013, 15:28 GMT

One of the best....best of luck ricky on your future endeavors

android_user
on June 20, 2013, 15:16 GMT

He is one of formidible batsmen..

xylo
on June 20, 2013, 15:15 GMT

Given that Champions League is not cricket, I consider him to have retired already.

jaymuk
on June 20, 2013, 15:14 GMT

only he can pull on front foot .. greatest batsman of modern age .. quite right ..

nainil0683
on June 20, 2013, 15:10 GMT

A true legend, a world class player, a true champion and a great captain. The best thing about his batting is his approach to play the ball; the foot movement and the flourish that follows. Have been a privilege to watch him bat all these years. Hope he gets a sendoff he deserves.

espncricinfomobile
on June 20, 2013, 15:05 GMT

Legend... Best one Since Don...!!!

nathangonmad
on June 20, 2013, 14:51 GMT

Actually quite surprised, thought he would go on until 100 first class 100s

SachBro
on June 20, 2013, 14:44 GMT

The big question is, will he be picked in the playing 11???

espncricinfomobile
on June 20, 2013, 14:39 GMT

Ricky should retire after ashes...

dummy4fb
on June 20, 2013, 14:38 GMT

Bring him back for the Ashes one last time...

dummy4fb
on June 20, 2013, 14:29 GMT

Great batsman........One of the greatest batsman since the likes of Bradman and Ponsford..........

vaidhyanathan8460
on June 20, 2013, 14:27 GMT

so bad, lets hope he would get a good sendoff in CLt20

dummy4fb
on June 21, 2013, 11:18 GMT

Respect Ricky Ponting. You are a treat to the eyes, amazing to watch when you play. I especially love your aggressive approach in batting. You, being one of the best in the business, would still be an understatement. Thanks for providing all those lovely entertaining cricket and making my childhood super awesome. I still hope you don't retire, because that will certainly be one of the saddest day of cricket. But, getting back to reality, looking forward to see you play in MI jersey!

Selector_Ads
on June 21, 2013, 10:42 GMT

Ricky, I genuinely believe you are the best we will see for at least a generation. Australian cricket dominance through the 00's was when you were the best in the game. Yes there were great players around you, but Australia had the unbeatable aura when you were THE dominating batsman. All opposition was afraid of you; every time you walked out, we always anticipated an onslaught. And I'll always remember your brilliant knock in the 438 game.

kensohatter
on June 21, 2013, 2:47 GMT

Congrats on a brilliant career Punter... Shame you have decided to not put your hand up for one more ashes cause you would walk into the current side. My top 5 batsmen to play in the last 15yrs has you listed at no.3... They are 1. Tendualker, 2. Kallis, 3. Ponting, 4. S,Waugh, 5. Lara. For fun I didnt a top 5 bowlers (of which Ponting did not feature!) they are.... 1. Warne, 2.Akram, 3. McGrath, 4. Ambrose, 5. Murali

featurewriter
on June 20, 2013, 22:31 GMT

Easily one of my favourite cricketers of the modern era. I was fortunate enough to watch him bat a lot at the Gabba over the years. I'll miss the sweet sound of the leather being finessed off the willow and gliding its way down to the boundary fence. And what a noble post-career profession: raising awareness and funds for kids with cancer. Great cricketer - but I think he's about to become an even greater philanthropist.

dummy4fb
on June 20, 2013, 17:33 GMT

One of the great players of our time. I hope the English fans give him the send off he deserves. What made him great was the fact that when he came out to bat we all felt "oh no, not Ponting". A great fighter, brilliant stroke maker, especially square of the wicket, and a great captain, he will be missed. An Aussie of the old school. And I am an Englishmam.

vaidhyanathan8460
on June 20, 2013, 14:27 GMT

so bad, lets hope he would get a good sendoff in CLt20

dummy4fb
on June 20, 2013, 14:29 GMT

Great batsman........One of the greatest batsman since the likes of Bradman and Ponsford..........

dummy4fb
on June 20, 2013, 14:38 GMT

Bring him back for the Ashes one last time...

espncricinfomobile
on June 20, 2013, 14:39 GMT

Ricky should retire after ashes...

SachBro
on June 20, 2013, 14:44 GMT

The big question is, will he be picked in the playing 11???

nathangonmad
on June 20, 2013, 14:51 GMT

Actually quite surprised, thought he would go on until 100 first class 100s

espncricinfomobile
on June 20, 2013, 15:05 GMT

Legend... Best one Since Don...!!!

nainil0683
on June 20, 2013, 15:10 GMT

A true legend, a world class player, a true champion and a great captain. The best thing about his batting is his approach to play the ball; the foot movement and the flourish that follows. Have been a privilege to watch him bat all these years. Hope he gets a sendoff he deserves.

jaymuk
on June 20, 2013, 15:14 GMT

only he can pull on front foot .. greatest batsman of modern age .. quite right ..

xylo
on June 20, 2013, 15:15 GMT

Given that Champions League is not cricket, I consider him to have retired already.